Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12



From the moment a child is conceived, parents have the responsibility to keep that child alive. They are responsible for the child’s nourishment, health, and safety.  It’s hard work but good parents do it willinging because of their love for their children.

Parental love is arguably the deepest love humans can know. And this is the love God chooses to show how much greater His love is for us!

You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. Matthew 7:9-11

As we begin to grasp how deep God’s love is for us, we can’t help but honour Him. And part of that is recognizing the parents He gave us.  They aren’t perfect – no parent is.  But God chose them for us to point the way to Him. 

I recognize that there are times when parents do harm to their children. Those children 
need to be safe and given help to heal from that harm. Honouring those parents will look different from honouring parents who loved as God intended. They will not be praised for doing their job well, but should still be respected even as they’re held accountable. If you or someone you know are being abused, whether by a parent or someone else, it is important that you talk to someone you trust about it right away.  

Regardless of how good they were or how much they fell short. Regardless of how old or independent you are.  Regardless of whether they showed you God’s love well, or pointed you to God by not measuring up. Give honour to those God gave you to care for you.  

Keep Seeking the Kingdom!

   Heather Penner
   Youth Ministries Director